By Peter Tatlow pages of great images and information all in black and white but good never the less cheers toto
No, I bought mine from Steve Hoyle a few years ago. I also have the matching tool and riding Van's to make the maintenance train. The one from Ellis was way over priced, which is a bit unusual because his kits are generally very competitive.
Wonder who got it .... he who ponders and all that. I was kicking myself when I lost out on it. Never mind ..... my chance will come. Toto
You could probably get one directly from Steve but I suspect that you would have to wait because he doesn't carry much in the way of stock these days.
Do you have a picture of it Rob. Any contact details for Steve would also be appreciated. Cheers Toto
Hi Toto, I’ve got the Craven Bros 25 Ton steam breakdown crane with tool van and Mess Van kit to build. I have the same book, excellent read.
Thanks Kimbo, You have saved me quite a job, digging them out. He only does snail mail which didn't matter to me as I used to live quite close by so if I wanted something I just popped round. I have to say up front that it in no way compares to the Sanspariel kit buy neither does the price.
Yes Toto, This one is a big sucker......it`s a 70 ton job.....but not too different from the model above. Gormo
There is one at the NRM but I have only managed to see it once. It was in a long narrow space which didn't allow for taking any useful photos. The other times that I have been it wasn't accessible.
Hello All, that is a nice photo of the cosmetically restored NSWGR Craven 70 ton crane. I would be a bit surprised if it is ever restored to running order, as compliance with modern regulations, and the necessary testing and insurance, I would think would make it uneconomic . A number of preserved steam cranes in the UK are out of service, as are some PerWay diesel cranes, and they are unlikely to be restored to working order for the same reasons. Modern hydraulic cranes are a dime a dozen to hire in comparison to recommissioning and maintaining the older style cranes, the modern day building industry use of large hydraulic cranes is now so widespread, to the extent that it is no longer uncommon to see mobile hydraulic cranes in a suburban street being used to erect house framing. It allows large frames to be quickly assembled in a day, which is a significant reduction in construction time, and therefore cost. For a preserved railway, a properly planned job requiring a crane is now cheaper than ever before, and crane availability is also no longer an issue. That being so, why would you go the expense to recommission a traditional crane, and also the expense of having properly trained and certificated people on hand, when the alternative is Fred's Crane Hire complete with experienced and qualified staff ? Regards, Echidna
Hello All, Volumes 2 & 3 are also now available, and collectively will most likely be the definitive volumes on the subject of UK railway cranes, and a justifiable addenda to "Railway Steam Cranes - A survey of progress since 1875" John S, Brownlie, self published 369 page hardback in 1973, and referenced in the above volumes. Regards, Echidna